Looking for the best supplements for diabetes? Look no further than these top 12 supplements for diabetes to decrease high blood sugar naturally.
Pair these supplements for diabetes with a balanced, gut healing diet and lifestyle hacks like I teach my patients, and boom! Diabetes may become a thing of the past!
Need or want customized support? Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you in your metabolic healing journey.
The Diabetes Dilemma
A total of 88% of Americans are metabolically “unhealthy”—this means only 12% of people in our country do NOT have diabetes, prediabetes or weight issues.
Translation: Houston, we have a problem.
What is driving this diabetes and metabolic dilemma? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just eating too much sugar.
The top risk factors and triggers of diabetes include:
- Diabesogens, xenoestrogens and obesogens (ie. Toxins — in plastics, birth control pills, medications, cleaning and hygiene products, foods)
- Mycotoxins and mold exposure in 1 out of 2 homes
- Antibiotic overuse
- Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut
- Industrial seed oils (processed foods,
- Low fiber diets (ie. Vegetables)
- Low complete protein intake (organic, grass-fed, wild caught meats and fish)
- Irregular eating habits (like fasting then binging/overeating)
- Sleep deprivation
- Circadian disruption (lack of fresh air/sunshine during the day and blue screens/artificial light all night)
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Alcohol
You get the picture. “Too much sugar” is just a piece of the diabetes puzzle. Knowing these risk factors can help us then decide the best plan of “attack” for improving, and in some cases, reversing poor metabolic health.
So without further ado: the 8 best supplements for diabetes—natural diabetes remedies you can do now.
Note: The following information is for educational and informational purposes only and not to be used as personal health advice. Please consult with your primary care or health care provider for customized recommendations.
The 12 Best Supplements for Diabetes
The following compounds are the best fits for hyperglycemia (higher blood sugar) patterns, can be purchased individually as supplements for diabetes. However, that said, I tend to look for broad-spectrum formulas that contain several of these in one (see below for my top supplements for diabetes brand recommendations).
#1. Berberine
Targets AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which stimulates uptake of glucose into cells, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces glucose production in the liver. Interestingly, studies have shown it to be just as effective as metformin in treating diabetes.
#2. Gymnema
Reduces insulin requirements, decreases fasting blood sugar, enhances the action of insulin, and may even promote regeneration of the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin. It is also very helpful for reducing sugar cravings.
#3. Banaba
Lowers blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and protects against oxidative damage.
#4. Fenugreek
Slows enzymatic digestion of carbohydrates, reduces gastrointestinal absorption of glucose, and thus reduces postprandial glucose levels. It also stimulates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and improves insulin production.
#5. Green Tea Extract
Reduces fasting blood sugar and insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and protects against oxidative damage.
#6. Chromium Chelate
Regulates blood sugar and insulin levels in some animal and human studies. Diets high in simple sugar such as the Standard American Diet, chronic infections, overtraining, and chronic stress can all deplete chromium.
#7. Alpha Lipoic Acid
A sulfur-containing substance that improves glucose metabolism. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against oxidative stress, which is common in blood sugar-related conditions.
#8. Magnesium
Optimizes insulin production, improves glucose metabolism, and increases insulin sensitivity. Magnesium deficiency is common in people with metabolic problems, and clinical trials have shown that magnesium supplementation can improve metabolic health.
#9. Biotin
Increases insulin sensitivity. It lowers post-meal blood sugar and enhances the function of certain enzymes that help the body to process glucose effectively.
#10. Glucomannan Fiber
Reduces hyperglycemia and improves insulin sensitivity.
#11. Resistant Starch
Helpful in regulating blood sugar by reducing hyperglycemia and improves insulin sensitivity. It can be obtained in the diet from cooked and cooled potatoes, white rice, and lentils. As a supplement, you can also use green banana, green plantain flour, or Bob’s Red Mill potato starch, which is gluten-free.
#12. Probiotic
Helps support a healthy gut ecosphere for balancing blood sugar.
SUMMARY: THE BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES
My top picks to get the best bang for your buck with several of these compounds in one include:
- Metabolic Synergy by Designs for Health
- GlucoSupreme by Designs for Health
- PaleoFiber by Designs for Health
- Magnesium by Upgraded Formulas
- Seed Probiotic
Need or want customized support? Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you in your metabolic healing journey.